Emma Raducanu is determined to regain her form on grass courts following a disappointing first-round exit at the 2026 French Open. The 23-year-old British tennis star is now focusing on the upcoming HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club, aiming to capitalize on competing on home soil.
Raducanu’s season has faced significant challenges, largely due to a post-viral illness contracted during a tournament in Romania in February. This illness forced her to withdraw from multiple WTA events, disrupting her rhythm and match fitness as the season progressed.
Facing Challenges and Preparing for Grass
Arriving in Paris with concerns about her sharpness on court, Raducanu was defeated in straight sets by Argentina’s Solana Sierra, committing 42 errors throughout the match. Despite the setback, Raducanu quickly shifted her focus toward recovery and preparation for the grass-court season.
She returned to training the day after her French Open loss, emphasizing the importance of immediate action to regain confidence and form on the faster surface. “I found the next day pretty tough, and I knew the best thing for me to do was to try to get back on the court straight away just to nip it in the bud,” Raducanu explained.
At Queen’s Club, Raducanu is set to face a qualifier in her opening singles match while also competing in the doubles draw. She will reunite with fellow Brit Katie Boulter, with whom she previously formed a successful partnership. This dual participation highlights Raducanu’s commitment to rebuilding momentum as she navigates a challenging 2026 season.